On Saturday night, June 27, two elite boxers looking for a signature victory will face off as champion Xander Zayas will defend his WBO, WBA unified junior middleweight world titles against Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
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Due to their fighting styles and the fact that both boxers are undefeated, the Zayas vs. Ennis fight is very intriguing. The action will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and it will be broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view.
Xander Zayas made his pro debut in October 2019 when he stopped his opponent in the first round. Zayas went on a winning streak, and during the course of the streak he would talk about his dream of becoming a world champion.
Five years into his professional career, San Juan, Puerto Rico native Xander Zayas’ world championship dream has become a reality. In July 2025, Zayas defeated Jorge Perez to win the vacant WBO junior middleweight world title.
Six months later, Zayas became a unified world champion when he outpointed Abass Baraou and won the WBA title. Now 23-year-old Xander Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) is ready to face the biggest challenge of his professional career.
Early in his boxing journey as a 147 pounder, Jaron Ennis sought the opportunity to face either Errol Spence Jr or Terence “Bud” Crawford. Spence and Crawford would continue to confront each other, then continue to move on.
This opened the door for Ennis to take over the welterweight division. In January 2023, Ennis defeated Karen Chukhadzhian to win the vacant IBF interim welterweight title.
Once undisputed 147-pound champion Terence Crawford moved up to 154, Ennis was elevated to IBF world champion. Ennis would go on to have two successful title defenses.
Boots became a unified world champion in April 2025 when he stopped Eimantas Stanionis in the 6th round and won the WBA and The Ring welterweight titles. Now Jaron Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) will try to become a two-division unified world champion on Saturday night.
Xander Zayas is a technical boxer who fights from the orthodox stance, but he is naturally left-handed. Zayas has a solid jab, he’s an aggressive body puncher, uses his legs to control distance, he’s disciplined, and he has a high work rate.
Philadelphia native, 29-year-old Boots Ennis, is a talented switch-hitter who has all the tools. Ennis is quick, creative, has explosive power, timing, and is an expert at setting traps, especially when using the high guard.
Both boxers are talented, but they have recurring flaws. Xander lacks head movement, and is vulnerable when forced to move to his right. Boots has a habit of crossing his feet, and sometimes when he hurts his opponent, he gets too aggressive and opens himself up to counter.
Going strictly by the eye test will convince you that Boots Ennis wins this battle. If you go by discipline and execute a game plan thoroughly, you should give Xander a legitimate chance to pull off the upset.
The Matchroom/Top Rank co-promoter main event features two elite boxers chasing greatness. Zayas and Ennis will both enter the ring as undefeated fighters, but by the end of the night someone’s 0 has to go.
Last updated on 06/26/2026 at 19:03
